THE LANGUAGE OF MEETING AND DEBATE

A.    Defining the Motion

      First of all, I would like to define the motion . . .

      There are three keywords in the motion. The first is . . . meaning that . . .

The second is, . . . It refers to . . .

and the third is . . . It means  . . .

      The motion is . . . It means . . .

B.     Spliting the Theme

      I would like to concern on  . . . (e.g social and political aspect)

My deputy would concern on . . . (e.g economical aspect)

While, government whip would extend the case on . . . (both social and economical point of view)

      Hereby, I focus on . . .

My deputy focuses on  . . .

And the rest will be extended by the opposition whip.

C.    Presenting an Argument

Beginning

      I would like to begin by . . .

      I would like to make a few remarks concerning . . .

      I would like to comment on the problem of . . .

      I would like to mention briefly . . .

      There are three points I’d like to make . . .

      The most important points seems to me to be . . .

Ordering

      First of all, we must bear in mind . . .

      At the outset . . .

      To begin with . . .

      firstly . . . Secondly . . . Thirdly . . . Finally . . .

Introducing a New Point

      I would now like to turn briefly to the problem of . . .

      The next issue I would like to focus on is . . .

      Turning to . . .

Adding

      In addition . . .

      I might add that . . .

      As well as . . . , there is also . . .

      Not only . . . , but also . . .

      Furthermore . . .

      Moreover . . .

      Besides that, . . .

Giving an Example

      Let me give an example . . .

      To ilustrate this point, let us consider . . .

      A case in point is . . .

Balancing

      On one hand . . . , but on the other hand . . .

      Although  . . . , we musn’t forget . . .

      Whereas  . . . , we have to remember . . .

      In spite of  . . . , I still think . . .

      Despite the fact that  . . . , I  . . .

Generalising

      On the whole, . . .

      In general, . . .

      Generally speaking, . . .

      By and large, . . .

      All in all, . . .

      All things considered, . . .

Starting Preference

      I’d rather  . . . than . . .

      I prefer  . . . to  . . .

      I tend to favour  . . . , as opposed to  . . .

      . . . has an advantage over  . . . in that  . . .

      The main advantage of  . . . is that  . . .

Concluding

      Let me conclude by saying . . .

      I’d like to conclude by stating that . . .

      Allow me to conclude by highliting the fact that . . .

      In conclusion, i would like to reiterate that . . .

      I would like to conclude that . . .

      I would now like to conclude my comments by reassuring you that we are fully aware of the fact that . . .

D.    Giving Opinions

Asking for an Opinion

      What is your opinion of . . . ?

      What is your position of . . . ?

      What do you think of  . . . ?

      I’d like to hear your views on  . . . ?

Asking for a Reaction

      Could I ask you for your reaction to   . . . ?

      I was wondering where you stood on this question?

      Where exactly do you stand on this issue?

      I wonder if you’d like to comment, Mr. . . . ?

Giving Strong Opinion

      I firmly believe that . . .

      I strongly believe that . . .

      I’m absolutely convinced that . . .

      It’s my belief that . . .

      There’s no doubt in my mind that . . .

      It’s quite clear that . . .

      I’m certain that . . .

      I’m sure that . . .

      It’s my considered opinion that . . .

Giving Neutral Opinion

      I believe that . . .

      I think that . . .

      I feel that . . .

      In my opinion that . . .

      In my view that . . .

      It’s my opinion that . . .

      As i see it, . . .

      As far as I am concerned, . . .

      From my point of view, . . .

Giving Tentative Opinion

      It seems to me that . . .

      I would say that . . .

      As far as I’m able to judge . . .

      I think it would be fair to say that . . .

Bringing in to Answer a Question

      I’d like to ask my colleague Mr. Hendri to give us his views on that.

      If I may, I’d like to ask my colleague Miss. Wulan to reply to that.

      I think Mr. Ageng is more qualified than I am to deal with this question.

      I would like to bring in Miss. Fa who has studied this matter more detail than I have.

      Perhaps Mr. Akeuh would care to answer that.

Bringing in to Present a Point

      Miss Faka, would you like to come in here?

      Allow me to give the floor to Miss Faka.

      I would like to invite Mr. Hendri to present his views on . . .

      I’d like to call on Miss Faka to present her views on . . .

Summarizing

      Well, if I could just sum up the discussion . . .

      To summarize, I think we are in agreement on . . .

      To sum up, there seems to be . . .

      In short, . . .

      Briefly, the main points that have been made are . . .

      Well, at this stage I feel I should summarize the matters as it stands . . .

      If I may just go over the main points raised so far?

E.     Agreeing and Disagreeing

Strong Agreement

      I completely agree.

      I agree entirely with your point of view.

      I’m of axectly the same opinion.

      I’m in total agreement.

      I do agree.

Neutral Agreement

      I agree.

      I think we are in agreement on that.

      I think you’re right.

      I think we can accept your position on that.

Partial Agreement

      I would tend to agree with you on that.

      I agree with you on the whole, but it could be said that . . .

      I agree in principle, but . . .

      By and large I would accept your views, but . . .

      Although I agree with most of what you’ve said, I find it difficult to agree with your point about . . .

Softening Strong Agreement

      Frankly, . . .

      To be quiet frank, . . .

      To put it bluntly, . . .

      To put it briefly, . . .

      With respect, . . .

Strong Disagreement

      I totally disagree with you.

      I completely disagree with you.

      I wholly disagree with you.

      I don’t agree at all.

      You’re completely mistaken.

      I disagree entirely.

      What you are saying is just not feasible.

      Under no circumstances could I agree

to that.

Softening Strong Disagreement

      I’m afraid . . .

      I’m sorry . . .

      With respect . . .

      With all due respect, . . .

      I respect your opinion, of course,

however . . .

Neutral Disagreement

      I don’t completely agree with you on that.

      I really can’t agree with you on that.

      I can’t say that I share your view.

      We’ll have to agree to differ.

      I’m not totally convinced by your argument.

      I can’t accept your point of view.

      I can’t help feeling that . . .

      I feel I must disagree.

      I really must take issue with you here.

Tactful Disagreement

      I agree up to a point, but . . .

      To a certain extent I agree with you, but . . .

      You have a point there, but . . .

      I take your point, Mr. Hendri, but have you considered . . .

      I can see your point of view, but surely . . .

      I have some sympathy with your position, but . . .

      I have some sympathy with your argument, but . . .

      I have some sympathy with your view, but . . .

F.      Interrupting

Interuppting

      On that point, Mam/Sir?

      May I interrupt you for a moment?

      Sorry to interrupt, but . . .

      If I may just interrupt you for a moment. . .

      I’d like to . . .

      I don’t want to interrupt, but . . .

Taking the Floor

      Could I come in at this point?

      May I say something about . . . ?

      If I could just come in here . . . ?

      If I could say a word about . . .

      I have a point to make here.

      I have a point to raise here.

      If no one objects, I’d like to say

a few words about  . . .

Commenting

      I  wonder if I could comment on that last point?

      I wonder if I may comment on that point?

      Excuse me, but I’d just like to point out that . . .

      I’d like to add something here. If I may?

      May I just draw your attention to the fact that . . .

      Excuse me, but I think it’s relevant to add that . . .

      Before we go any further. May I point out . . .

Coming Back to a Point

      As I was saying . . .

      Coming back to what I was saying . . .

      Going back to what I was saying . . .

      Perhaps I could resume . . .

      If I may just go back to the point I was making . . .

      If I could continue . . .

      Your question leads us back to . . .

      To return to . . .

Preventing an Interruption

      Perhaps I could return to that point later on . . .

      If I might just finish . . .

      If I could just finish . . .

      If I can just finish . . .

      With your permission. I’d rather finish what I was saying.

      With respect. I should like to finish the point I was making.

      If you would allow me to continue . . .

      If you would be so kind as to let me finish . . .

Pre-empting an Interruption

      There are two points I would like to make.

      There are several points I would like to make.

      First, I would like to reply to Mr. Hendri and then I would like to comment on . . .

      Very briefly, . . .

      I’d just like to . . .

G.    Clarifying

Asking for Confirmation

      Would I be correct in saying that  . . . ?

      If I’ve understood you correctly, you’re saying that  . . . ?

      Correct me if I’m wrong, but  . . .

      Am I correct in assuming that  . . .

      When you say  . . . , do you mean that  . . . ?

      Are you saying that  . . . ?

      Basically, what you’re saying is  . . .

Asking for a Repetition

      I’m afraid I’m not quite clear what you mean by that.

      I’m sorry, I didn’t quite follow what you said about  . . .

      I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean.

      I’m afraid I didn’t get your last point. Could you go over it again please?

Correcting Misunderstandings

      I’m afraid there seems to have been a slight misunderstanding.

      We seem to be talking at cross purposes.

      I think you’ve misunderstood me.

      That isn’t quite what I meant.

      With respect, that is not what I said.

Re-phrasing

      Perhaps I haven’t made myself clear.

      Basically, what I’m trying to say is . . .

      Sorry. I’m probably not making

myself clear.

      Let me put it another way . . .

      Perhaps I should make that clearer

by saying . . .

      Allow me to rephrase that.

      To be more specific, . . .

      Put simply, . . .

H.    Questioning

Asking General Questions

      Would you mind if I ask. . . ?

      I was wondering if you  . . . ?

      I wonder if you could . . . ?

      May I ask . . . ?

      May I ask you about . . . ?

Asking for Further Information

      Could you be little more precise?

      I’m sorry, but could you explain in a little more detail?

      Could you give us some details about . . . ?

      Would you care to elaborate on that?

      Could you expand on that?

Playing for Time

      That’s a very interesting question.

      That’s difficult question to answer.

      I’m glad you asked that question.

      You have raised an important point there.

      I’m sure you will appreciate how complicated this matter is.

Saying Nothing

      Well. It’s rather difficult to say at present.

      I’m afraid I don’t have enough information at my disposal to answer that.

      I’m afraid I’m not in a position to comment on that just yet.

      I think we can leave the problem of . . . aside for a moment, the real issue is . . .

      I don’t think we have enough time at our disposal to consider all the implications of this particular aspect of the problem.

Questioning

      It depends what you mean by . . .

      I’m not quite sure what you mean by that.

      I’m afraid I don’t quite follow . . .

      I don’t think it’s quite as simple as that . . .

I.       Proposing

Proposals, Recommendations and Suggestions - Strong

      I strongly recommend that . . .

      I suggest most strongly that . . .

      I advise you most strongly to . . .

      In our view, it is high time that . . .

      In my view, the only viable solution is . . .

Proposals, Recommendations and Suggestions - Neutral

      I propose that . . .

      My proposal is that . . .

Proposals, Recommendations and Suggestions - Tentative

      I would propose thar . . .

      If I may make a suggestion, we could . . .

      I would like to put forward a proposal that . . .

      I wonder if I might suggest . . .

      Wouldn’t it be a good idea to . . . ?

      Wouldn’t it be better to  . . . ?

Expressing Total Support

      I am fully in favour of . . .

      This proposal has my full support.

      I can thoroughly recommend that . . .

      I should like to express my total support for this . . .

      I totally agree with . . .

      I entirely approve of . . .

Expressing Support

      I’m in favour of . . .

      I would certainly give my backing to . . .

      I would certainly endorse such a proposal.

      I see no objection to that.

      I would not be opposed to that.

Expressing Partial Support

      My initial reaction is favourable, but . . .

      With certain reservation, I would support your proposal.

      I shouldn’t like you to think that I’m necessary against this in any way, but I can’t help wondering . . .

Expressing Total Opposition

      I am totally opposed to the proposal.

      I see no valid reason for supporting the proposal.

      Franldy, I think that’s out of the question.

      I’m afraid this proposal leaves a great deal to be desired.

Expressing Tentative Opposition

      On the face of it, this seems quite a good solution, but . . .

      I can see many problems in adopting this.

      I’m not sure the proposal is feasible.

      This proposal is likely to present difficulties.

      I’m not convinced that this proposal is really worthwhile.

J.       Persuading

Asking Questions

      Have you taken into account . . . ?

      Has it occured to you that . . . ?

      Do you realise that . . . ?

      I was wondering if you’d thought of . . . ?

      Wouldn’t you agree that . . . ?

      Wouldn’t it be a good idea to . . . ?

Adding Information

      There are, if I may say so, certain points you should bear in mind . . .

      There are other consideratins. For example, . . .

      If we look at it in another light . . .

      Seen from another angle, one could say . . .

      I wonder if you’ve considered . . .

Challenging

      I wonder if that view is justified in the light of . . .

      I don’t think you fully appreciate the fact that . . .

      I would be in your own interest to . . .

      I would be inclined to . . . if I were you.

Expressing Reservation

      I have certain reservation about . . .

      I think we should give ourselves time to reflect on . . .

      I’m rather worried about . . .

      Under no circumstances should we come to a hasty decision on this.

      I am afraid such a decision might lead to . . .

      I feel that in view of . . . it would be prudent to . . .

      I can’t help feeling that . . .

Reassuring

      There’s no cause for concern as far as  . . . is concerned.

      There’s no reason for concern as far as  . . . is concerned.

      Let me assure you straight away on that point.

      Let me reassure you straight away on that point.

      I can assure you that . . .

      We understand your concern about . . . and we assure you that we will do everything in our power to . . .

      We share your concern about this, and you may rest assured that . . .

      You need have no fears about . . .

K.    Highlighting Importance and Certainty

Degrees of Importance – Emphatic Views

      I particularly want to emphasize the fact that . . .

      It is essential to realise that . . .

      This issue is highly significant.

      I feel this is a vital issue.

      I consider this point of the utmost importance.

Degrees of Importance – Neutral Views

      I attach considerable importance to . . .

      Allow me to emphasize at this juncture that . . .

      We musn’t underestimate the importance of . . .

      It is well worth noting that . . .

      We can not stress too much the importance of . . .

      Let me say again how much importance I attach to . . .

Degrees of Importance – Tentative Views

      I would like to remind you that . . .

      I wish to draw your attention to . . .

      We cannot overlook the fact that . . .

      I believe this warrants further discussion.

Playing Down a Point

      These are minor issues when one considers . . .

      But this is only of secondary importance.

      But this is, after all, a relatively smart point.

      I’m afraid I regard that as of relatively minor significance.

      I’m afraid I’m not totally convinced of the importance of . . .

Degrees of Certainty - Certain

      I’m certain that . . .

      It’s certain that . . .

      There’s no doubt that . . .

      Without doubt, . . .

      Undoubtedly, . . .

Degrees of Certainty - Probable

      I’m almost certain that . . .

      It’s highly probable that . . .

      It’s quite likely that . . .

Degrees of Certainty - Possible

      This could well . . .

      It’s possible that . . .

      It’s not out of the question that . . .

      It’s not impossible that . . .

      I think there is every possibility that . . .

Degrees of Certainty - Unlikely

      It is highly improbable that . . .

      It is extremely improbable that . . .

      It is highly unlikely that . . .

      It is very unlikely that . . .

      There’s very little likelihood of . . .

Degrees of Certainty - Uncertain

      I’m not certain that . . .

      I have doubts about . . .

      I doubt if . . .

      There is some doubt as to whether this . . .

      I’m uncertain about . . .

L.     Compromising

Offering a Compromise

      We are prepared to . . . , on condition that . . .

      I think we could . . . provided that . . .

      We are ready to . . . , on the understanding that . . .

      We are willing to . . . , with the proviso that . . .

      We are more than reay to . . . , as long as . . .

      I believe we can . . . if  . . .

Asking if It’s Acceptable

      Is that acceptable?

      Would that be acceptable?

      Would that be satisfactory?

      Is that acceptable as a compromise solution?

      We hope that this will be acceptable.

Adding a Condition Positively

      We see no objection whatsover, provided that . . .

      If we agreed, it would be conditional on . . .

      Our agreement is conditional on . . .

      If we agreed, we hope you would reciprocate by . . .

      If you would be prepared to . . . then we could . . .

Adding a Condition Negatively

      We’d be rather reluctant to . . . , unless . . .

      I don’t think we could . . . , unless . . .

      We wouldn’t be prepared to . . . , unless . . .

      We have certain reservations about . . . , and unless . . .

      Only if you . . . , would we be prepared to . . .

Accepting a Compromise

      I think that would be perfectly acceptable.

      We see no objection to that.

      That seems to be a reasonable compromise.

      In a spirit of a compromise, we would be willing to accept your offer.

      To meet your halfway on this, I think we could agree to your condition.

Rejecting a Compromise

      We are not entirely convinced that this is a viable solution to the problem.

      Although we want to avoid a deadlock as much as you do, we find your offer unacceptable.

      You leave us with little alternative but to . . .

      In the case, we should very reluctantly have to . . .

      In which case, we would be virtually obliged to . . .

      You put us in a difficult position.